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Oedipus Rex study guide

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Oedipus Rex study guide
1. How does Oedipus characterize himself? A: The the classic literature Oedipus Rex Oedipus characterizes himself as cursed by birth.

2. What is his attitude toward the suppliants?
A: His attitude towards the suppliants is good. He anticipates his subject’s needs and is always one step ahead of them 3. What conditions in Thebes does the Priest describe? The Priest describes the city that is in a tide of death from which there is no escape. 4. How do the suppliants view Oedipus? The suppliants see Oedipus as not the equal of gods, but as the first of men, whether in the ordinary business of mortal life, or in the encounters of man with more than man. 5. What request does the Priest make of Oedipus? The Priest requests Oedipus to save and deliver them from their heavy afflictions 6. According to Creon what did Apollo say must be done in order to cure Thebes of its pollution?

7. According to Creon what were the circumstances of Laius’ death?

8. What is Oedipus resolved to do? Explain the irony.

9. Why does Oedipus summon Teiresias?

10. What is Teiresias’ reaction to Oedipus’ request for help?

11. What does Teiresias reveal to Oedipus as a result of the king’s angry accusation? Note the emphasis on sight and blindness.

12. What suspicion does Oedipus begin to harbor about Creon?

13. What does Teiresias predict will happen to Oedipus?

14. Why does Oedipus accuse Creon of conspiracy?

15. How does Jocasta try to assure Oedipus that he is not guilty of Laius’ death?

16. What is Jocasta’s view of prophecy?

17. Why is Oedipus frightened by the information given by Jocasta?

18. Who does Oedipus believe are his parents and where does he think he was born?

19. Why did Oedipus go to the Oracle at Delphi and what was he told there?

20. What detail in Jocasta’s story of Laius’ death does Oedipus take comfort in?

21. How does Jocasta try to
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